Meet the Brotherhood
We asked some of our brothers a list of questions about their experiences in Delta Lambda Phi, and we invite you to read their responses. We hope that this will give you an opportunity to see how Delta Lambda Phi has changed and benefited those who have joined, and to give you a more inside perspective of our group.
I joined DLP because I was still in the closet at that time and had nobody to hang out with. However, after hanging out with some of the brothers during informal gathering followed by rush events, I felt a very welcoming atmosphere and a non-judgmental attitude from all the brothers. That was mainly what attracted me to further join DLP.
- Chris Christanto
I've never been a fan of the Greek System – it always carried connotations of group-think mentality, misogynistic behavior and regressive social views. For a while I assumed such a bias applied to DLP, but after getting to know the guys I realized the chapter was a place fostering of individual opinions. More importantly, I saw the chapter as an opportunity to make an impact on the homophobic and conservative Purdue Campus while forming friendships and working alongside a truly dedicated group of men.
- Mark Davis
I joined Delta Lambda Phi because I sought out friends that were like me. I wanted to be a part of this fraternity because it offers something no other organization can. Brotherhood. Experiencing fraternal bonds is something I knew I would do coming to college.
- Andrew Stevens
At first I got involved with DLP for social reasons and to get more involved with the gay community. While pledging, I discovered so much more. Most importantly, what brotherhood is and how far a fellow brother will go to help you.
- Sean Samocki
I joined DLP with the hopes to broaden my horizons in the GLBT in regards to a more diversified group of like minded men. Campus GLBT groups tend to be very homogeneous in their population and through experience have found this hindered group progress. DLP's scope of thought and men did not conform to that norm. This is what I found to be the appealing sell.
- Steven Antalvari
I joined DLP because 2 of my friends, Mike King and Mark Davis, invited me to rush. I liked what I saw and decided to give it a try.
- Swen Ervin
I had recently come out to myself, and was cautiously entering my new life, looking for support, friendship, and a safe harbor away from home, as I began to prepare to come out to my family. After the first rush, I could see that DLP was a very special group of people who would be there for me, giving me the courage to take the next steps in my coming out process.
- Adam J. Moore
As a newcomer to Lafayette , I needed a social outlet that would allow me to meet other gay, bisexual and progressive men with similar interests.
- Stephen Simpson
As a newcomer to Lafayette , I needed a social outlet that would allow me to meet other gay, bisexual and progressive men with similar interests.
- Freddie Arocho-Perez
Yes, it has. By becoming involved with the chapter, it has helped me grow my leadership abilities (professional growth), my self-confidence in managing things (personal/professional), and my self-acceptance/being more comfortable with myself being gay (personal growth).
- Chris Christanto
The experiences I gained through leadership and project management will always be with me. The beauty of DLP is that it allows each person to bring their strengths to the table – I was able to work on quite a few large-scale design projects through our PR campaigns and Conference materials. I don't know that I've networked much, but I've definitely called on my brothers for advice and assistance while working on my own project.
- Mark Davis
In the four years that I was a brother I found that I was continually challenged both through friendships and overall goals. I learned to work more efficiently in a team, by realizing that overall synergy was far more powerful than a single person's efforts could ever be.
- Steve Antalvari
I definitely believe that DLP has afforded me additional leadership experiences within a different demographic. That has certainly given me an edge in other areas where I take on leadership roles.
- Swen Ervin
My involvement has prompted a virtual metamorphosis in many areas of my life, from personal to professional. I have learned so much about myself and others, and have been able to do so many things I once thought I was incapable of or would never have the chance to do. My love for DLP has forced me to grow quickly, in hopes of making our group stronger and ensuring that every man who needs Brotherhood, finds us.
- Adam J. Moore
Being an active brother has given me the opportunities to be a leader in the chapter and also outside of the chapter in other organizations. Being a member of the fraternity has fostered my leadership skills and developed them into something that gives me the competitive edge I need in the real word.
- Andrew Stevens
Becoming a brother has enabled me to meet and network with Purdue Students, Community Members, and alumni.
- Stephen Simpson
Yes, for example, it has helped me to be more self-expressive and how to be a good leader in tasks in a committee.
- Freddie Arocho-Perez
It has given me certain social and people skills that I’ve never had before. I’m more outgoing.
- Bruce Robinson
The best thing about being a brother of DLP is the unconditional self-acceptance from every brother (local and nationwide) regardless of race, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Chris Christanto
The best part of DLP is the bond of brotherhood, and becoming a part of a larger national network. At times the closeness can seem like double-edged sword – there are some people who you just want to walk away from – but ultimately Brotherhood forces you to work through your differences. Friendships can end so quickly, but DLP doesn't let that happen – we have to confront our conflicts and resolve them. It's an astounding lesson in compromise and mediation.
- Mark Davis
The best part of being a brother of DLP was the comanderie among each other. There was never a time when I felt that I did not have someone to go to when I needed help. I had become part of a large family that I did not have when I first came to Purdue. Being that I was so far from home this surrogate family gave me the guidance I needed.
- Steve Antalvari
I think it is the opportunity to have a true bond with others who may be struggling through the same issues as you, or who may have already emerged from those struggles as victors. Additionally, it is a wonderful thing to be able to call another human your Brother, and mean it in all sincerity, even though that person is not bound to you by blood. It's so much deeper!
- Swen Ervin
The best part of being a brother is feeling the bonds of Brotherhood, even as it resonates from a brother from around the nation that you barely know or have never met. When you join our chapter, you also join a family of thousands of other men who have gone through the same process. Remarkably, as everyone goes through the same process, almost everyone comes out with their own personal definition of Brotherhood which is difficult to put into words. However, everyone agrees that Brotherhood is a beautiful feeling, one that is easy to get emotional about when reflecting upon it.
- Adam J. Moore
The best thing about being a brother of Delta Lambda Phi is having a shared bonding experience with your Pledge Class that expands into the general DLP brotherhood upon initiation.
- Stephen Simpson
Being part of a good and genuine family.
- Freddie Arocho-Perez
The best thing about being a brother is just knowing that if you ever have an issue in life, you always have brothers more than willing to help.
- Sean Samocki
DLP is my second family. The best thing is that I can call them that.
- Bruce Robinson
Road trips. These events were always one of a kind and unique in themselves. I learned a lot about myself and others during these ventures.
-Steve Antalvari
Our chapter has a tradition of storytelling associated with induction. My fondest memory was my own induction. After the induction, we sat around a campfire, cooked smores, and told stories about where we came from. It was the first time I really shared my own coming out, and talked about how difficult it had been, and there was such a feeling of acceptance and understanding. I knew then DLP was a place I wanted to be a part of.
- Mark Davis
I have so many. Mostly, it is just the times, hanging out with Brothers, watching a movie and eating cheesesticks. No real reason for being together other than we wanted to be. And that was enough for me.
- Swen Ervin
I am going to cheat on this one and give two memories (HA!). One was the initation of my first little brother, and the other is when brothers stand and sing the fraternity song together at national events. The song, which stirs up so many feelings for me by itself, is so much more moving when you sing it with brothers you barely know - its a very powerful bonding experience I never take for granted.
- Adam J. Moore
The countless times of being with brothers and just having a good time. It’s amazing how just sitting around and playing video games can be some of the best times of your life. Its moments like those that I hold dear to my heard.
- Andrew Stevens
- Chris Christanto
The projects DLP does a breadth, scope and dedication that other student groups lack. The members are dedicated, and you can be so much more effective with a group of truly active people.
- Mark Davis
Support whenever you needed it!
- Steven Antalvari
Joining Delta Lambda Phi allows gay, bisexual and progressive men of all ages, races, and backgrounds to bond together in a true sense of brotherhood. It provides a positive environment for those who are still struggling with their sexuality.
- Stephen Simpson
You have someone you can count on. No matter what your viewpoint is, or how you present yourself.
- Bruce Robinson
Learning how to prioritize my time and reconcile other objectives in my life.
- Steven Antalvari
Being able to balance school work along with brotherhood. But that is an advantage. With hard work and dedication, its actually easier to get your things done when you have less time to do them.
- Andrew Stevens
My main obstacle was dealing with Brothers who had different approaches to, well, EVERYTHING, than I had. I have grown from that and am now better equipped to deal with them.
- Swen Ervin
What were come of the concerns you had about joining Delta Lambda Phi, or a fraternity in general? How did you handle them?
My main complaint with Fraternities was that they made these cookie-cutter specimens of their members…and I am too much of an individual for that. I found that to be a non-issue in DLP. We are all so different, yet we are bound together by Brotherhood.
- Swen Ervin
The time commitment and Pledge education process can be daunting. However, the reward of becoming an active Brother was well worth the effort.
- Stephen Simpson
A concern was how to deal with the required tasks (for example, being an officer or a member in a committee) and the coursework or any other required academic tasks. Another concern was how people see the concept of “fraternity”. Some persons think that a fraternity is just a bunch of guys having a party all the time. This vision changes when the members work together in service activities, for example.
- Freddie Arocho-Perez
- Chris Christanto
To the Young Pledge:
Think about why you would want to join a group like DLP, but also be mindful of what you could get from it. Ask yourself what you want from your college career. Do you want to follow and attend, or stand up and lead? Do you want the opportunity to change things for the better? What could you bring to a group like this – and where do you see its future?
- Mark Davis
This is a group that defies all stereotypes of the brotherhood norm. Instead you are going to find a diversified group of men who are going to help you to grow and mature into something you never thought was possible.
-Steven Antalvari
Lay the fears aside. Look at the opportunity. We all, especially in this community, need a place where we can be ourselves without fear of dismissal or judgment. If that sounds like the place for you, the DLP is for you as well.
- Swen Ervin
As a non-student, community member of the fraternity I was concerned about not “fitting in” with the other Brothers whom were younger undergraduate students. The fraternity as a whole, however, made me feel welcome despite the age difference.
- Stephen Simpson
Pledging Delta Lambda Phi was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my entire life, and I believe most of the brothers have this same feeling.
- Sean Samocki
Brotherhood is a bond you can’t get from another single person, or another group of people. It is pretty revolutionary in terms of your life. When you experience it, you’ll know.
- Bruce Robinson
Brotherhood is more than friendship. Brotherhood is an experience only had once in your life. I am a richer and more well-rounded person for having been a brother of Delta Lambda Phi.
- Steven Antalvari
Brotherhood seems, on its face, to be extremely theoretical and conceptual. I have, in my DLP experience, FELT Brotherhood. I can say that there is nothing better. I wouldn't give that up for anything.
- Swen Ervin
The Bond of Brotherhood in Delta Lambda Phi goes beyond the Purdue Campus. The shared experience of becoming a DLP brother is reflected when interacting with alumni and DLP brothers in other chapters. There is a sense of comfort in knowing that these men share a common bond with you, even though they may be complete strangers.
- Stephen Simpson
Rechartered MCMXCVIII at Purdue University
© 2006 Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity - Alpha Beta Chapter. Contents may not be reproduced without prior written consent.
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© 2006 Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity - Alpha Beta Chapter. Contents may not be reproduced without prior written consent.
Site by Micek Design